Women During World War I

For women, World War I was a new beginning. Since the US declared it a "total war", women had so many more opportunities for jobs because the shoes of those fighting had to be filled. They started filling in spots in factories, offices, and shops, and, soon enough women were signing up to work overseas. Some enlisted in the Navy and Marine Corps. There were nearly 13,000 women who had acheived the same status as men; this was something that had never happened before. Physical and Occupational Therapists were able to serve in the US and overseas and organizations such as the Red Cross, Partiotic League, and WYCA also gained positions in aiding with the war efforts. But it wasn't a time to celebrate just yet. When the war ended on November 11th, 1918, men who had been fighting overseas began to return home and take their positions back in factories, offices, and shops. Women had started to be replaced by the men returning home from war. Although, the bravery of many women didn't go unnoticed. President Wilson recognized the efforts US women put into the war and, in 1918, he asked the Senate to follow the House in passing the 19th Amendment which gave women the right to vote.

Without World War I, women may have struggled for equality much longer than they did. Gaining the right to vote was a huge step for women in America, and without all of this happenning, women might not have the opportunities they have today.